Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

1420 Palisades Dr., Leesport, Pennsylvania, United States
Wooden brown sign with the red castle US Army Corps of Engineers logo and Blue Marsh Lake written on the sign.

Featured amenities

Showers Showers

About Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Located at Blue Marsh Lake northwest of Reading, Pennsylvania, three group picnic shelters are available for reservations within the Dry Brooks Day Use Area. With over 36 mi of trails, 5,000 acres of land, 1,147 acres of water, picnic areas, a small beach and boat launches, the Blue Marsh Lake area is appealing to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Missing information?

Reviews

36 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area) features a clean and well-equipped pavilion, along with spotless bathroom facilities. Visitors appreciate the exceptional staff and find the prices to be very reasonable. Overall, it is considered a great location for a day out.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 36 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 83.3% (30)
4 stars 16.7% (6)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 36 reviews

Sort by: Oldest First
Newest First Oldest First

Jeremiah G

October 26, 2021

The lake view site was a great location for a get together. Volley ball courts were located near the pavilion and tons of flat open space for outdoor games such as cornhole. Water and electric were also readily accessible. We would definitely use this location again in the future.

Helpful

Jeremiah G

October 26, 2021

The lake view site was a great location for a get together. Volley ball courts were located near the pavilion and tons of flat open space for outdoor games such as cornhole. Water and electric were also readily accessible. We would definitely use this location again in the future.

Helpful

MOHAMMAD H

September 11, 2022

Nice place but vista pavilion have a no water for wash and drinking

Helpful

MOHAMMAD H

September 11, 2022

Nice place but vista pavilion have a no water for wash and drinking

Helpful

Dawa T

September 25, 2022

Nice place to do picnic.

Helpful

Dawa T

September 25, 2022

Nice place to do picnic.

Helpful

Dan S

August 6, 2023

Helpful

Dan S

August 6, 2023

Helpful

Dan S

August 6, 2023

Helpful

Dan S

August 6, 2023

Helpful

Location & Directions for Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)

1420 Palisades Dr., Leesport, PA 19533 United States

Elevation: 133 ft

Getting There

Blue Marsh Lake is located 7 mi northwest of Reading, PA. Take route 183 north and make a left on Palisades Dr. Travel one mile and the Dry Brooks Day Use Area will be on your right.

Nearest town

Leesport, PA - 6.1 mi

About 11 min to downtown

Highway access

Blue Marsh Lake is accessible via Route 183, which connects to nearby highways. It is located approximately 7 miles northwest of Reading, PA.

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

8AM

Check out time

5PM

General

  • The Park will close at 6:00 p.m. starting May 17, 2025 and continue through September 30, 2025 with limited services due to staffing shortages
  • Reservation holders will be issued a confirmation receipt. You must have the confirmation receipt with you to present to the Park Ranger on the day of your reservation.
  • Parking is not included in the shelter rental. Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays to avoid waiting in line to obtain a parking space.
  • Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited.
  • The use of confetti and devices that dispense such materials or paints (ie gender reveals) – is strongly discouraged. If you utilize such materials – you must come prepared to clean up the area or be subject to a fine for additional clean up.  
  • Decorations and signs may be displayed, but in a manner that does not cause damage to trees, signs, or the shelter itself. All decorations/signs that are displayed must be removed before departure or be subject to a fine for additional clean up.  
  • Before departure, all picnic tables must be returned to their original arrangement upon your arrival. 
  • Moonbounces, large inflatable devices, rides, mechanical equipment, DJs, DJ equipment and/or other “entertainment” are not permitted.
  • All Garbage/Trash generated from the event must be placed in the adjacent trash cans or bagged and placed next to the trash cans. Failure to properly dispose of the garbage/trash will result in a fine for additional clean up.
  • Driving across the grass to pavilions or picnic areas to drop off items/supplies, or for any other reason, is not permitted.
  • Access for other park visitors must not be restricted or impeded. A Standard Reservation Permit is authorization for your event to take place in a specific group picnic shelter and does not grant exclusive use of the entire area.
  • Your reservation is valid on your reservation date.
  • Please contact the Park Office at 610-376-6337 for special requests or questions about items permitted at the group picnic structures. A Special Use Permit is Required for baptisms, ceremonies, or other large events. 

Nearby Campgrounds

Campground / RV park

Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Eagles Peak

Robesonia, PA
4.8 (5)
Adventure Bound Eagles Peak

Campground / RV park

Adventure Bound Eagles Peak

Robesonia, PA
3.4 (5)

Campground / RV park

Appalachian RV Resort

Pennsylvania 19554, PA

Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Wernersville

5 mi away

City
Explore destination

Bernville

5 mi away

City
Explore destination

Leesport

5 mi away

City

Last updated: October 7, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Leesport, PA

Population: 2,166

Nearby city: Reading, PA

Approx. 7 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 292 ft

Learn more about Leesport

From our Travel Guides

View all guides
US Army Corps of Engineers Logo
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers